Anna eats solid food

This is just always cute. I know everyone with kids has taken these pictures. It is so funny to watch your little baby, who has only known liquids, to eat rice cereal. Anna wasn't terribly interested, but as my mom put it, would you be that excited about rice cereal? Good point. Moving on to the good stuff very soon (i.e. fruits and veggies). Anna is now a little over 6 months and growing like a weed. She is sitting up pretty much on her own and rolling all over the place. This age is so much fun.

Sun Valley

Last week Mike had a busy work week with Jarrett and Paul in town, then a fishing/camping weekend planned, so I decided to head to the mountains with Anna. Sun Valley is so beautiful in the summer, and since my parents are living there full time, they kept us busy all week. This picture was just after our first hike with Anna. My mom and I went to one of her favorite spots, Galena Lodge, and did a hike which was appropriately named, Psycho. There were beers hiding behind us in the picture. And well deserved. Anna was a champ. She slept through the first half, then just purely enjoyed herself for the rest.

Since Idaho received so much snowfall this year, everything was so green. This was another hike we took through the wildflowers. Just beautiful.

Anna loves to be outside. While we were eating dinner, she just played on the grass.

Happy Birthday Mike!!

Every year as Mike's birthday approaches, he begins to ask what we should do for his birthday. I think he is trying to figure out when (one of these years) I'll have a surprise birthday party for him. This wasn't the year. But it was a great day. We took our friends Tom and Angie, Catherine and of course Anna, up to Napa. We had a great lunch at then headed over to Domaine Chandon. We received the v.i.p. treatment which included a thorough tour and a wonderful tasting. Here are a few pictures from the day.

Anna learning about tank fermentation

I love this picture. This dress on Anna was mine as a baby. My mom saved some of her favorite clothes of ours (in duplicate of course).

Rio Viento Vineyard - Year 2

The name Rio Viento, which means river wind, was chosen because it represents the unique micro climate created by the cool delta breezes. This climate along with the rich soil creates an ideal location to grow grapes. Last weekend we took a drive out to the ranch to check the progress of the vineyard. This is the 2nd year and the vines are doing very well. Shortly, the vines will be split and trained to grow across the trellis which will enable them to yield more fruit. Next year will be the first year that fruit will be harvested. It is exciting to watch the progress!

Close up of the chardonnay vine

Rows of vines with 2nd year growth (upper field)

View of the lower vineyard

Fabulous 4s (Months)

Ok, ok, I have been a little flaky on keeping up the blog. I promise to start posting a bit more frequently. Our little peanut is now 4 1/2 months old! We celebrated my first Mother's Day with my mom and grandma. Four generations, pretty cool. Anna has been so much fun lately. Lots of new tricks. Mike and I just went on our first overnight trip without Anna. My mom stayed at our house with her so we headed for Tahoe. We took a hike, had a great dinner overlooking the lake and then went gambling (of course). It was a total success since both Mike and I walked away with cash in our pockets. Here are a few pictures from Mother's Day, a giggling shot, and Anna taking a bath (which is just always cute).

Anna has one look these days in pictures. Kind of like Blue Steel from Zoolander.

Going to Iraq

My brother Jon-Paul, who is a Lieutenant Commander in the Navy, is headed to Iraq. JP's been in the Navy for 10 years and has just received his orders. Our family is so proud of Jon-Paul and know he will serve our country well. He has just left for Kansas to begin combat training. He returns home for a brief stint, then heads out. I love my brother so very much and hope that all who reads this will keep him in your prayers.

JP's wife, Jessica, had a big going away party at their home in San Diego. We had a blast. The night was ended with a shrewd poker game. This is a pix of the 'fam'. Justin is now 9 months old.
A quick stop for the obligatory mimosa. Catherine and I were lucky enough to be on the same flight with JP's good friend Mike. The good times started early.
My cousin Eric and his cute wife Lindsay made it down for the party as well. I heard there was a golf game the next day but still haven't heard how that turned out.

Anna's first Easter!!

Easter in Palm Springs has been a tradition in our family for many years, so it was so much fun to take Anna this year. She has lots of little nicknames, but one that seems to stick is bunny, therefore, Easter is her holiday. She was awesome, not only on the trip down, but also in all the new surroundings. She is almost 12 weeks old and at the last appointment weighed in at a whopping 9 lbs 11 oz. All these pictures were from Easter Sunday. Everyone says how much she looks like Mike, and I have to say, I think so too. The picture with the chocolate bunny is my favorite. She giggles all the time!